With a USB-C connection, you can charge your Windows 11 PC, and you can also connect to other USB Type-C devices such as mobile phones, docking stations, display adapters, and other devices that have a USB-C port.
Unfortunately, some combinations of hardware and software may cause problems. If this happens, you may get a notification that there’s something wrong with the USB-C connection. We’ve provided some tips below to help you fix things. And if you want to change whether you see notifications about USB issues, here's how:
Select Search , type usb and select USB settings from the list of results.
Make sure the USB4 device you're connecting to is supported by your PC.
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Possible causes
Make sure your PC supports USB4 to get the best experience from the attached USB4 device or dock.
Make sure you use the cable provided by your device or dock manufacturer or a certified USB4 cable.
Connect your USB4 device or dock directly to your PC or only to USB4 docks.
Your device or dock supports USB4, but it's plugged into a port on your PC that doesn't support USB4. The attached device might have limited functionality because it's not using USB4.
You're using a cable that doesn't support USB4.
You're connecting your USB4 device or dock to a dock that doesn't support USB4.
USB device not recognized
The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it.
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Possible cause
Find the error code on your Windows 11 PC and then note it.
Note: This applies to all the error codes shown in Device Manager except error Code 28 (drivers for the device aren’t installed).
The USB device that you connected to reported a problem, or there’s a problem with the device driver.
To find the error code on a Windows 11 PC
Select the Start button, then type device manager and select Device Manager from the list of results.
In Device Manager, find the device. It should be marked with a yellow exclamation point symbol.
Choose the device, press and hold (or right-click) it, and then select Properties. The error code is displayed under Device status.
Slow charger
To speed up charging, use the charger and cable that came with your device.
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Possible causes
Use the charger and cable included with your PC.
Make sure you're connecting your charger to the USB-C charging port on your PC.
Use a can of compressed air to clean the USB-C port on your PC.
The charger isn’t compatible with your PC.
The charger isn’t powerful enough to charge your PC.
The charger isn’t connected to a charging port on your PC.
The charging cable isn't powerful enough for the charger or PC.
Dust or dirt inside the USB port on your device prevented the charger from being inserted correctly.
The charger is connected through an external hub or dock.
Notes:
A battery icon with a warning on it appears in the system tray to indicate that a slow charger is connected, and the battery is discharging. The Slow charger notification might appear too.
A PC with USB Type-C connectors has larger power limits. If the connector supports USB Power Delivery, it can charge even faster at greater power levels.
To charge faster, your PC, charger, and cable must all support the industry standards. Your charger and cable must also support the power levels your PC requires for the faster charging. For example, if your PC requires 12V and 3A for the fastest charging, a 5V, 3A charger won’t give you the fastest charging.
Chargers that don't have a standard USB Type-C connector might use a proprietary, nonstandard connector that your PC doesn’t support.
PC isn't charging
To speed up charging, use the charger and cable that came with your device.
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Possible causes
Use the charger and cable included with your PC.
Make sure you're connecting your charger to the USB-C charging port on your PC.
Use a can of compressed air to clean the USB-C port on your PC.
The charger isn’t compatible with your PC.
The charger isn’t powerful enough to charge your PC.
The charger isn’t connected to a charging port on your PC.
The charging cable doesn’t meet the power requirements for the charger or PC.
Dust or dirt inside the USB port on your device might be preventing the charger from being inserted correctly.
The charger is connected to your PC through an external hub or dock.
Notes:
A PC with USB Type-C connectors has larger power limits. If the connector supports USB Power Delivery, it can charge even faster at greater power levels.
To charge faster, your PC, charger, and cable must all support the industry standards. Your charger and cable must also support the power levels your PC requires for the faster charging. For example, if your PC requires 12V and 3A for the fastest charging, a 5V, 3A charger won’t give you the fastest charging.
Chargers that don't have a standard USB Type-C connector might use a proprietary, nonstandard connector that your PC doesn’t support.
USB device functionality might be limited
Make sure the device you're connecting to is supported by your PC.
- OR -
Thunderbolt device functionality might be limited
Make sure the Thunderbolt device you're connecting to is supported by your PC.
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Possible causes
Make sure your PC supports the same USB-C features as the connected device.
Make sure the cable supports the same USB-C features as the connected device.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the correct Alternate Mode. For example, if you're connecting a Thunderbolt Alternate Mode device, make sure you connect to the USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt™.
The device or dongle you connected to has new features for USB-C that your PC doesn’t support.
The device you connected to has new features for USB-C that the cable doesn’t support.
The device or dongle isn't connected to the correct USB-C port on your PC.
The device or dongle is using an external hub or dock to connect to your PC.
Too many other Alternate Mode devices or dongles are connected to your PC.
Notes:
USB Type-C has a new feature called Alternate Modes. If your USB-C cable has this feature, you can connect to non-USB devices that support the same Alternate Mode. For example, if your USB-C cable has the Thunderbolt Alternate Mode, you can connect to Thunderbolt devices. There's no setting to turn on—your device automatically uses the appropriate mode if it's supported.
The Alternate Mode feature must be supported on the PC's hardware and software, and the connected device or dongle. You might also need a specific USB-C cable.
Display connection might be limited
Make sure the DisplayPort device you're connecting to is supported by your PC.
- OR -
MHL device functionality might be limited
Make sure the MHL device you're connecting to is supported by your PC.
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Possible causes
Make sure your PC, the external display, and the cable all support DisplayPort or MHL alternate modes.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the correct Alternate Mode. For example, a DisplayPort Alternate Mode adapter should be connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
The device or dongle you connected to has new features for USB-C that your PC doesn’t support.
The device you connected to has new features for USB-C that the cable doesn’t support.
The device or dongle isn't connected to the correct USB-C port on your PC.
The device or dongle is connected to your PC using an external hub or dock.
There are too many other devices or dongles connected to your PC that use a USB-C connection.
Notes: USB Type-C has a new feature called Alternate Modes which allows you to use non-USB connections with the USB-C cable and connection. There's no setting to turn on—your device automatically uses the appropriate mode if it's supported. Here are the display Alternate Modes that your cable may support:
DisplayPort
The DisplayPort Alternate Mode lets you project video and play audio on an external display that supports DisplayPort.
MHL
The MHL Alternate Mode lets you project video and play audio on an external display that supports MHL.
HDMI
The HDMI Alternate Mode lets you project video and play audio on an external display that supports HDMI.
Use different USB port
The USB device might have limited functionality when connected to this port. Plug the USB device into a different USB port on your PC.
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Possible causes
Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the features of the device or dongle. For example, if you're connecting a Thunderbolt device, make sure it’s connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports Thunderbolt.
The device or dongle isn't connected to the correct USB-C port on your PC.
The device or dongle is connected to your PC using an external hub or dock.
USB device might need more power
Your PC might not provide enough power to the USB device. Please connect your device to external power, or try using a different PC.
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Possible causes
If the USB device can be powered externally, plug it into an external power source.
Plug your PC into an external power source and don't run it on battery power.
Disconnect any unused USB devices that are connected to your PC.
Your PC can't power the device you connected to because that device isn't supported.
Your PC has a low battery, so it has temporarily limited the amount of power it can provide to the device.
Your PC is providing power to other devices, so it has temporarily limited the power it provides to the device you just connected to.
The device you connected to requires more power than the PC can provide.
Unsupported USB-C Audio Adapter
Connect a USB-C digital audio adapter instead.
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Possible cause
If you have a USB-C analog audio adapter connected to your PC, unplug it, then connect a USB-C digital audio adapter instead.
Your PC doesn't support the audio adapter you connected to.
Note: There are two types of USB-C audio adapters: analog and digital. Most PCs only support USB-C digital audio adapters, which contain hardware that converts digital audio data from your PC to an analog signal that your headphones or speakers can play. USB-C digital audio adapters are often more expensive than analog audio adapters.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
With a USB-C connection, you can charge your Windows 10 PC, and you can also connect to other USB Type-C devices such as mobile phones, docking stations, display adapters, and other devices that have a USB-C port.
Unfortunately, some combinations of hardware and software may cause problems. If this happens, you may get a notification that there’s something wrong with the USB-C connection. We’ve provided some tips below to help you fix things. And if you want to change whether you see notifications about USB issues, here's how:
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > USB.
Note: This applies to all the error codes shown in Device Manager except error Code 28 (drivers for the device aren’t installed).
The USB device that you connected to reported a problem, or there’s a problem with the device driver.
Select the Start button, then in the search box on the taskbar, type device manager and select Device Manager from the list of results.
In Device Manager, find the device. It should be marked with a yellow exclamation point symbol.
Choose the device, press and hold (or right-click) it, and then select Properties. The error code is displayed under Device status.
Swipe down from the top of your screen to open action center. The notification appears in action center with the error code listed there.
Slow USB charger connected
To speed up charging, use the charger and cable that came with your device.
Try these solutions
Possible causes
Use the charger and cable included with your PC (or phone).
Make sure you're connecting your charger to the USB-C charging port on your PC (or phone).
Use a can of compressed air to clean the USB-C port on your PC (or phone).
The charger isn’t compatible with your PC (or phone).
The charger isn’t powerful enough to charge your PC (or phone).
The charger isn’t connected to a charging port on your PC (or phone).
The charging cable isn't powerful enough for the charger, PC, or phone.
Dust or dirt inside the USB port on your device prevented the charger from being inserted correctly.
The charger is connected through an external hub or dock.
Notes:
A PC (or phone) with USB Type-C connectors has larger power limits. If the connector supports USB Power Delivery, it can charge even faster at greater power levels.
To charge faster, your PC (or phone), charger, and cable must all support the industry standards. Your charger and cable must also support the power levels your PC (or phone) requires for the faster charging. For example, if your PC requires 12V and 3A for the fastest charging, a 5V, 3A charger won’t give you the fastest charging.
Chargers that don't have a standard USB Type-C connector might use a proprietary, nonstandard connector that your PC (or phone) doesn’t support.
PC (or phone) isn't charging
To speed up charging, use the charger and cable that came with your device.
Try these solutions
Possible causes
Use the charger and cable included with your PC (or phone).
Make sure you're connecting your charger to the USB-C charging port on your PC (or phone).
Use a can of compressed air to clean the USB-C port on your PC (or phone).
The charger isn’t compatible with your PC (or phone).
The charger isn’t powerful enough to charge your PC (or phone).
The charger isn’t connected to a charging port on your PC (or phone).
The charging cable doesn’t meet the power requirements for the charger, PC, or phone.
Dust or dirt inside the USB port on your device might be preventing the charger from being inserted correctly.
The charger is connected to your PC (or phone) through an external hub or dock.
Notes:
A PC (or phone) with USB Type-C connectors has larger power limits. If the connector supports USB Power Delivery, it can charge even faster at greater power levels.
To charge faster, your PC (or phone), charger, and cable must all support the industry standards. Your charger and cable must also support the power levels your PC (or phone) requires for the faster charging. For example, if your PC requires 12V and 3A for the fastest charging, a 5V, 3A charger won’t give you the fastest charging.
Chargers that don't have a standard USB Type-C connector might use a proprietary, nonstandard connector that your PC (or phone) doesn’t support.
The USB device might not work
Try connecting it to a PC.
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Possible cause
Make sure your Windows 10 phone has all the latest updates for Windows. To check for the latest updates, on Start , swipe over to the All apps list, and then select Settings > Update & security > Phone update > Check for updates. This lets you check for the latest updates for Windows and the latest device drivers. For more info, see Windows 10 Updates.
If your Windows 10 phone is already running the latest version of Windows 10 Mobile, try to connect your device to a Windows 10 PC instead.
There's a driver in the device you connected to that isn't supported in the version of Windows 10 Mobile your phone is running. For information about the supported devices, see Universal Serial Bus (USB).
USB or Thunderbolt device functionality might be limited
Make sure the device you're connecting to is supported and that you're using the right cable.
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Possible causes
Make sure your PC (or phone) supports the same USB-C features as the connected device.
Make sure the cable supports the same USB-C features as the connected device.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC (or phone).
Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC (or phone) that supports the correct Alternate Mode. For example, if you're connecting a Thunderbolt Alternate Mode device, make sure you connect to the USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt.
The device or dongle you connected to has new features for USB-C that your PC (or phone) doesn’t support.
The device you connected to has new features for USB-C that the cable doesn’t support.
The device or dongle isn't connected to the correct USB-C port on your PC (or phone).
The device or dongle is using an external hub or dock to connect to your PC (or phone).
Too many other Alternate Mode devices or dongles are connected to your PC (or phone).
Notes:
USB Type-C has a new feature called Alternate Modes. If your USB-C cable has this feature, you can connect to non-USB devices that support the same Alternate Mode. For example, if your USB-C cable has the Thunderbolt Alternate Mode, you can connect to Thunderbolt devices. There's no setting to turn on—your device automatically uses the appropriate mode if it's supported.
The Alternate Mode feature must be supported on the PC or phone's hardware and software, and the connected device or dongle. You might also need a specific USB-C cable.
Display connection might be limited
DisplayPort/MHL connection might not work. Try using a different cable.
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Possible causes
Make sure your PC (or phone), the external display, and the cable all support DisplayPort or MHL alternate modes.
Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC (or phone).
Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC (or phone) that supports the correct Alternate Mode. For example, a DisplayPort Alternate Mode adapter should be connected to the USB-C port on your PC (or phone) that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
The device or dongle you connected to has new features for USB-C that your PC (or phone) doesn’t support.
The device you connected to has new features for USB-C that the cable doesn’t support.
The device or dongle isn't connected to the correct USB-C port on your PC (or phone).
The device or dongle is connected to your PC (or phone) using an external hub or dock.
There are too many other devices or dongles connected to your PC (or phone) that use a USB-C connection.
Notes: USB Type-C has a new feature called Alternate Modes which allows you to use non-USB connections with the USB-C cable and connection. There's no setting to turn on—your device automatically uses the appropriate mode if it's supported. Here are the display Alternate Modes that your cable may support:
DisplayPort
The DisplayPort Alternate Mode lets you project video and play audio on an external display that supports DisplayPort.
MHL
The MHL Alternate Mode lets you project video and play audio on an external display that supports MHL.
HDMI
The HDMI Alternate Mode lets you project video and play audio on an external display that supports HDMI.
These two PCs (mobile devices) can't communicate
Try connecting one of them to a mobile device (PC).
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Possible causes
Connect your Windows 10 PC to a Windows 10 phone instead.
These types of connections aren’t currently supported:
Connecting two Windows 10 PCs together with a USB-C connection.
Connecting two Windows 10 phones together with a USB-C connection.
Use different USB port
This USB port doesn't support DisplayPort or Thunderbolt or MHL. Plug the USB device into a different USB port on your PC.
- OR -
The USB device might have limited functionality when connected to this port. Plug the USB device into a different USB port on your PC.
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Possible causes
Make sure the device or dongle is connected directly to your PC (or phone).
Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC (or phone) that supports the features of the device or dongle. For example, if you're connecting a Thunderbolt device, make sure it’s connected to the USB-C port on your PC (or phone) that supports Thunderbolt.
The device or dongle isn't connected to the correct USB-C port on your PC (or phone).
The device or dongle is connected to your PC (or phone) using an external hub or dock.
USB device might not be working properly
Your PC (or phone) might not provide enough power to the USB device. Plug a power adapter into your USB device, or try to use a different PC (or phone).
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Possible causes
If the USB device can be powered externally, plug it into an external power source.
Plug your PC (or phone) into an external power source and don't run it on battery power.
Disconnect any unused USB devices that are connected to your PC.
Your PC (or phone) can't power the device you connected to because that device isn't supported.
Your PC (or phone) has a low battery, so it has temporarily limited the amount of power it can provide to the device.
Your PC (or phone) is providing power to other devices, so it has temporarily limited the power it provides to the device you just connected to.
The device you connected to requires more power than the PC (or phone) can provide.
Unsupported USB audio adapter
Connect a USB-C digital audio adapter instead.
Try this solution
Possible cause
If you have a USB-C analog audio adapter connected to your PC, unplug it, then connect a USB-C digital audio adapter instead.
Your PC doesn't support the audio adapter you connected to.
Note: There are two types of USB-C audio adapters: analog and digital. Most PCs only support USB-C digital audio adapters, which contain hardware that converts digital audio data from your PC to an analog signal that your headphones or speakers can play. USB-C digital audio adapters are often more expensive than analog audio adapters.
